Failure to Implement Infection Prevention and Control Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement infection prevention and control practices as required by policy, resulting in multiple deficiencies. During an observation, a gray basin containing four food containers and two utensils was found on the bathroom floor between two residents' rooms. Certified Nurse Assistant 1 confirmed that this was not standard practice and that such items should not be kept on the bathroom floor. The Infection Preventionist also acknowledged that this did not meet facility expectations or infection control protocols, as outlined in the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program policy. Additionally, a respiratory therapist did not perform hand hygiene after exiting a resident's room or after removing gloves, despite the resident being on Enhanced Barrier Precautions to prevent the spread of multi-drug-resistant organisms. The therapist admitted to not following the expected hand hygiene protocol. Furthermore, observations revealed that trash bins in three residents' rooms were full and overflowing, which the Infection Preventionist confirmed was inconsistent with maintaining a safe and sanitary environment as required by facility policy.